DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Consider two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents haven’t expired.

Food and water – Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container. Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets and the water you need for yourself.

First aid kit – Talk to your veterinarian about the most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs. Most kits should include bandage rolls, tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves and saline solution. Keep an extra supply of medicines for your pets in a waterproof container.

Crate or another pet carrier – if you need to evacuate, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.

Familiar items – Put favourite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Everyday things can help reduce stress for pets.

Collar with ID tag, harness or leash – Your pet should always wear a collar with their identification. Include a spare lead, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit. In addition, place copies of your pet’s paperwork in a waterproof container and add them to your kit. You should also check your pet’s microchip details are current.

Depending on your circumstances and the nature of the emergency, the first important decision is whether you stay or leave. You should understand and plan for both possibilities.

Create a plan to get away – Plan how to assemble your pets and anticipate where you will go. Then, if you must evacuate, take your pets with you and go to a pet-friendly evacuation centre. Other options may include family, friends or a pet-friendly hotel out of the danger zone. Find out before an emergency happens if any of these facilities in your area might be viable options for you and your pets.

Develop a buddy system – Plan with neighbours, friends or family to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you cannot. Talk with your pet care buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency kit.

Talk to your vet about emergency planning – Discuss the types of things that you should include in your pet’s emergency first aid kit. For example, get the names of veterinary clinics where you might need to seek temporary shelter. If you don’t know your pet’s microchip details, have the vet scan your animal to obtain this information and ensure it is up to date with the company the microchip is registered with.

Gather information for emergency animal treatment – Make a list of contact information and addresses of area animal control agencies and animal shelters. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you and one in your pet’s emergency supply kit.

Some things you can do to prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, are the same regardless of the type of emergency.

It’s essential to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect your region and emergency plans established by your state and local government.

Visit getready.qld.gov.au/pets for more information about how to prepare.

Adapt this information to your personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can be ready for the unexpected.

Those who take the time to prepare themselves and their pets will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. So take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready.

Preparing for your pets makes sense. Get ready now!

In any emergency, local authorities may or may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do.

However, watch TV, listen to the radio or check online for instructions. If you’re specifically told to evacuate or shelter in place, do so immediately.

Local councils are the first call Queenslanders should turn to for information and direction during a natural disaster.

In preparation for storms, cyclones and bushfire seasons, many councils will be running events, pop-up information stalls and other activities to help their community get ready for the next major weather event.

Queensland’s local council websites and disaster dashboards provide important information to support local communities during and after disaster events. The disaster dashboards include information about evacuation centre openings and locations, river heights, road conditions and closures, power and phone outages and helpful contacts. We’ve included a list of some of these below for you:

• Queensland Government
• Brisbane
• Gold Coast
• Ipswich
• Lismore
• Logan
• Moreton Bay
• Redland
• Scenic Rim

You can also sign up for local weather alerts and other support information on many council websites.

Preparing for the unexpected makes sense. Get ready now!